What to ask seller of property with loft conversion.
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.11 PM
*Thanks for the answers everyone. The property is a 2 storey semi detached and the seller said the conversion was done roughly 2 years ago. Am I right in thinking that all lofts that have been converted need a proper staircase regardless of it being used as a bedroom or playroom? As theirs is only accessed by a ladder does this suggest that is is not a proper conversion? Thanks. *
Hi,
We have been to look at a house today that has the loft converted and is being used as a playroom. In the future we would like to turn this into a bedroom but realise that we will probably need to change a few things to do this, mainly the stairs as it is currently accessed by a drop down ladder. As I don't know much about loft conversions I'm not sure what questions I should be asking the seller. The listing describes the loft as below:
Currently used as a children's play room. Boarded loft, two velux sky-lights and inset halogen down-lighters, Central heating radiator, storage space and eaves storage.
Does a loft floor need to be reinforced if it is to be used as a bedroom? And should they have building regs for it if it is being used as a playroom?
I would appreciate any advice you have and ideas on what sort of questions we should be asking the seller.
Many Thanks
Amy
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
It is a completely illegal conversion, you should be purchasing this with the price reflecting a loft space.
To convert this into a bedroom you would be doing it from scratch
No legal loft conversion has ladder access, the joists would need upgrading, chances are that you will need a quarter tonne of steel re-inforcing up there, you would need fire doors throughout, electric smoke alarms, loads of celetex insulation.......£££££££££
Amy
You need ask when the works were done and what permission if any the owners have. Is the property 2 storey with attic or bungalow ?
Generally access should be by a fixed stair. structural work may be required for the floor
Is the walls and ceiling insulated. Escape windows installed
Hi Amy,
So it's 2 storey with attic 'converted '
In Scotland for the attic to be an apartment access would need to be from a fixed stair in the hallway. All doors other than bathrooms need to be smoke sealed fire doors with self closers fitted.
Some structural work may be required to support the floor and even deeper joists installed. Then there s the insulation aspect. Smoke alarm in hallway. Hope this helps.
Answered11 February 2015
2
Anonymous user
Ask if they registered with building regs? All loft conversion to be used as liveable areas need to registered with building regs. Floors usually need to be reinforced, unless the joist are 7"x2".
Hi Amy
Jch design is about right with what he is saying. The problem is is you put in a fixed stair for it to come up to regs you need a 2metre head room from each stair so to get this you useless have to come up through the highest point which causes problem in the lose of space on the second floor.
So most people in Scotland can't afford to lose this space so they end up doing the regs to a store which does not need ridged stair. Also you can get away with just strengthening the floor joist and roof timbers without all the extra cost of insulation and thickness to get your right u - values.
To sum up. It sounds like they have converted the attic to a store and then are using it as a play room. If so they should have documentation stating this.hope this helps.
Best regards
David mccaig
Dj property trades.
